DISH vs. DIRECTV 2025 comparison

By Camryn Smith Last updated: April 14, 2025

By comparing plans, pricing and features, our internet and TV experts can help you decide if DIRECTV or DISH is the better choice for your needs.

DIRECTV vs. DISH

DIRECTV and DISH differ slightly in price, available channels, sports packs and DVR equipment. Depending on what you’re looking for in a TV service, you may find one provider to have an edge over the other.

You may prefer DISH if:

  • You want a consistent price
  • You want international channels
  • You like having the best recording technology and need to record lots of shows at once

You may prefer DIRECTV if:

  • You want more 4K content
  • You like having more channel and package options to choose from
  • You want to bundle AT&T internet with your TV plan


DIRECTV vs. DISH network quick comparison

1. ENTERTAINMENT: $84.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($94.99/mo. w/$10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime. 

DIRECTV logo

Best satellite TV

Best overall satellite TV provider: DIRECTV

When it comes to DIRECTV vs. DISH network’s prices, both providers offer similar packages, but DISH’s rates are higher. DIRECTV has more channels and package options, plus an advantage in 4K content.

DIRECTV vs. DISH pricing and fees

DIRECTV and DISH have similar starting pricing, but DIRECTV has a two-year price guarantee and DISH has a three-year price guarantee.

    • Lowest-priced package: ENTERTAINMENT starting at $84.99/mo.1 for 90+ channels
    • Highest-priced package: PREMIER starting at $164.99/mo.2 for 185+ channels
    • Price increase: increase of $32 – $62, depending on package, after 24 mos.
    • Installation fee: standard installation included in up to four rooms
    • Activation fee: one-time charge of $19.95
    • Local channels fee: $0
    • Regional sports network fee: up to $17.99/mo.
    • Gemini device: included
    • Additional receivers: $7.00/mo.* each
    • Lowest-priced package: America’s Top 120 starting at $91.99/mo.* for 190 channels
    • Highest-priced package: America’s Top 250 starting at $121.99/mo.* for 290+ channels
    • Price increase: after three years
    • Installation fee: standard installation included in up to six rooms
    • Activation fee: one-time charge $0 – $50, based on customer qualification
    • Local channels fee: $12.00/mo.* (included in package price)
    • Regional sports network fee: up to $3.00/mo.
    • First DVR device: included
    • Additional receivers: $5.00 – $15.00/mo.* each

1. ENTERTAINMENT: $84.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($94.99/mo. w/$10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime. 

2. PREMIER: $164.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($192.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & Gemini $10/mo. lease). Cancel anytime. 

DIRECTV logo

Best for pricing: DIRECTV

DIRECTV is more affordable, with a starting price of almost $20/mo. cheaper than DISH. DIRECTV has lower fees as well.

DIRECTV vs. DISH packages and plans

When it comes to package options, both providers offer four options. DIRECTV has lower starting prices, but DISH has higher channel counts and a cheaper premium tier plan. Both providers offer add-on packages for premium channels, sports packs and international channels.

DIRECTV packages and plans

1. ENTERTAINMENT: $84.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($94.99/mo. w/$10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime. 

2. CHOICE: $89.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($117.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime. 

3. ULTIMATE: $119.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($147.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee).  Cancel anytime. 

4. PREMIER: $164.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($192.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & Gemini $10/mo. lease). Cancel anytime. 

New approved residential customers only. Service renews monthly unless you cancel. Cancel anytime by calling 800-531-5000 or online. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Device subject to Equipment Lease agmt. Add’l fee(s) may apply if equip. not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply.  Updated 04/14/25.

DISH packages and plans

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 02/04/25.

DIRECTV logo

Best channel selection: DIRECTV

DIRECTV’s top package gives you more than any DISH package. (DIRECTV’s Premier package includes Max, SHOWTIME®, STARZ® and Cinemax® with MGM+™ for the first three months on DIRECTV, plus 70+ regional sports networks. DISH’s largest TV package, America’s Top 250, only includes STARZ ENCORE channels, similar to DIRECTV’s Ultimate package.)*

DIRECTV vs. DISH channel lineups

If you are already leaning toward a particular TV provider, the next step is to compare DISH packages and DIRECTV plans side-by-side. Take a look at available packages from each provider below, and check out our DIRECTV channel guide and DISH channel guide to see what channels come with each package.

You’ll find a list of popular channels and which DIRECTV and DISH packages include them below.

DIRECTV logo

Best for sports lovers: DIRECTV

Sports fans will want to opt for DIRECTV. TV watchers who want a general variety of popular channels will be better off with DISH.

DIRECTV vs. DISH DVR equipment

Both providers include one main DVR device at no extra cost. Additional DIRECTV receivers can cost up to $7 per device, while additional DISH receivers cost $5 to $15 each. DIRECTV Gemini is for service via the internet and the Genie 2 with Gemini device is for service via satellite. With DISH, the Hopper 3 comes with any standard TV package.

DIRECTV Gemini vs. DISH Hopper 3

    • Up to 200 hours of HD content via satellite; unlimited via internet
    • Supports HD and 4K resolution
    • 72-hour rewind, watch select shows up to 72 hours after they aired
    • Voice commands through Google Assistant
    • Whole-home DVR available
    • 2 TB storage space for up to 500 hours of HD content
    • Supports HD resolution and 4K via streaming services
    • “Find the Remote” button
    • AutoHop automatically skips commercials in selected primetime recordings
    • Netflix® and other apps built-in
    • Whole-home DVR available

Best equipment: DISH

This is one category where DISH has a clear advantage. DISH’s Hopper 3 offers more recording capabilities and storage space than DIRECTV’s Gemini. Plus, the Hopper 3 features a handy remote finder button and access to apps like Netflix and YouTube from the device.

DIRECTV vs. DISH mobile app

Both DISH and DIRECTV have useful apps available for free on Android and Apple devices. The DISH Anywhere App allows you to watch live TV on the go and manage your DVR.

Winner: DISH

The Anywhere App allows you to download programs and watch offline.

DIRECTV vs. DISH customer satisfaction

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), DIRECTV and DISH rank in the middle of the pack compared to other TV service providers. Here’s how the two satellite TV providers scored over the past three years.

Winner: Tie

You can’t go wrong here! Both DIRECTV and DISH have equally high scores for customer satisfaction.

DIRECTV vs. DISH deals and promotions

If you’re a new customer looking at either DISH or DIRECTV, you may be able to capitalize on some promotional deals.

  • DIRECTV deals and promotions

    New DIRECTV customers can enjoy three months free of premium networks such as Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, STARZ®, Cinemax® and MGM+.™*

  • DISH deals and promotions

    DISH offers free standard professional installation. DISH also has special offers for seniors, teachers, veterans and first responders.

1. ENTERTAINMENT: $84.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($94.99/mo. w/$10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime. 

2. CHOICE: $89.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($117.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime. 

3. ULTIMATE: $119.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($147.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee).  Cancel anytime. 

4. PREMIER: $164.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($192.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & Gemini $10/mo. lease). Cancel anytime. 

New approved residential customers only. Service renews monthly unless you cancel. Cancel anytime by calling 800-531-5000 or online. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Device subject to Equipment Lease agmt. Add’l fee(s) may apply if equip. not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply.  Updated 04/14/25.

Call to order: (844) 451-2720

DIRECTV vs. DISH FAQs

Do you have to install a satellite dish to get DIRECTV or DISH Network?

No. DISH requires you to install a satellite dish to receive service, but DIRECTV is also available through your existing internet service. Equipment and standard installation are included at no extra cost with DIRECTV and DISH.

Neither DIRECTV nor DISH offers internet. AT&T acquired DIRECTV in 2015, so bundling options with AT&T’s internet plans may be available in some areas. Hughesnet and Viasat are popular satellite internet providers, but your home may also be eligible for DSL, cable or fiber internet services. You can get DIRECTV channel packages through your existing internet service as well.

Netflix is not included with either service. However, the Hopper 3 from DISH lets you access your Netflix account from the DVR, so you don’t have to switch cables or inputs to watch Netflix.

DIRECTV and DISH both offer local channels with their main TV packages. In most locations, local channels are also available in HD resolution.

Both DISH and DIRECTV are satellite TV providers, but the difference between them lies within their package offerings. They each have four packages, but they differ based on price and channel counts.

DISH has higher channel counts than DIRECTV.

Satellite TV is a type of TV service that uses satellite dishes in space to deliver programming.

Satellite TV is generally pretty reliable but can be affected by weather.

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Camryn Smith

Written by:

Camryn Smith

As one of Allconnect’s writers, Camryn Smith helps consumers navigate complex home internet services and broadband technology through her helpful content. Using her expertise in the broadband space, Camryn edu… Read more

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